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Sunday, October 16, 2011

Tracking in the Thenmala - Shenkottai Meter gauge route - Part II

I had gone for a trek along this route in the month of August along with my friends and really enjoyed the experience. But we couldn't go very far as it was raining and it was dangerous to traverse the bridges in the rain. So we decided at that time itself to come back and complete the trek some other day. Two months later me and Pramod were doing the same route, albeit with a slight difference. We decided to start from the Tamilnadu side of the tracks. We chose to trek from Bhagavatipuram towards the Kerala side. One of the reasons was that Bhagavatipuram was the most scenic station along the Thenmala - Shenkottai route when trains were plying this route. Secondly we didn't want to start from Thenmala again as we had already done that leg of the trek earlier. So on the 16th of October we parked Pramod's car near the station and both of us started our trekking or "tracking" as it may be from Bhagavatipuram station. The weather was looking good. The sun was out with no hint of any rain. But I got a rude shock as Bhagavatipuram station was completely torn inside out for construction activities. I remembered the tree lined station from my ride through this route earlier and hoped in my mind that some of that beauty would be restored at least.

There were no tracks on the TN side at all. The entire tracks has been removed for relaying the new broad gauge tracks. We started walking enjoying the vistas along the way.

Mountains, water bodies, paddy fields, mango orchards, we had every type of vistas along the way.

Although we were blessed with good weather, the recent rains had turned the route into a slush fest and an obstacle course at times.

We managed to clear the obstacles, although getting our shoes muddied in the process.

Ah! there comes the first real obstacle. A bridge over a stream. Looks very small in these snaps, right? At that time, it didn't look that small. :)

A close up view of the bridge.

Pramod went first across the bridge with me taking his photos.

Starting out gingerly

More confident now

Almost there.

I also crossed over without any incident, although I do admit if some body had taken a video of me crossing that bridge it would have been a horrible embarrassment to me what with the shaking knees and loud swearing going on.

The view from the other side

These kids wanted their photos to be taken. I happily obliged them.

The scenery along the way

We continued to trek unhindered until we reached this place.

The whole track was water logged and there was no way we could go through that. A small discussion ensued and we decided to take the side route over the rocks. When we reached the top, we were greeted by this wonderful scenery.

We had to do this sort of detour again after some time.

Soon we reached a tunnel. This tunnel was very lengthy and construction was going on inside the tunnel.

I didn't take much shots inside the tunnel as water was dripping from overhead and I had to put the camera into the bag.

After reaching the other side of the tunnel, soon we reached Aryankavu station.

Washing away the mud

Aryankavu station

Pramod is so happy to see the station that he is humping the sign post

I was so happy to have reached here. See the tired grin. :)

We decided to call it a day as both of us were tired. It had been a good day of trekking along the route. Rest assured, I will be back to trek along this route.

Some parting shots

Till next time, happy tracking!

PS: A special thanks to my friend Pramod who accompanied me on this trek and pushed me forward on several occasions to complete it. Thanks buddy!